Electricity: Merseyside

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the level of electricity prices in Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.

John Hayes: holding answer 7 September 2012
	DECC Ministers and officials meet with Ofgem on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues. Electricity and gas pricing for household consumers is a commercial matter for the companies, concerned and is regulated by Ofgem.
	In 2011, the average bills for domestic electricity customers living in Merseyside who consumed the standard consumption of 3,300 k Wh per annum were:
	£493 for pre-payment, £502 for standard credit and £452 direct debit (DECC Quarterly Energy Prices Publication June 2012, table 2.2.3).

Radioactive Waste

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of options for community involvement in the process of deciding on the location of a geological disposal facility for intermediate and high-activity radioactive waste; and if he will give consideration to involving communities other than the nominated prospective host communities, in cases where they have a relevant local interest such as being sited on proposed transport routes.

John Hayes: In March 2012, following a public consultation, the Department of Energy and Climate Change published a Framework for the desk-based identification and assessment of potential candidate sites for geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste. This includes flexible provisions for engagement, with details to be agreed by local stakeholders in volunteer communities.
	The consultation material, and Framework document, are available on the DECC website:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/mrws_siting/mrws_siting.aspx